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Alice's Descent: Into Madness: Book 1: A Dark Reverse Harem Retelling
She fell into Wonderland, where nothing is real—and everything wants to claim her.
In this world of twisting reality, Alice is at the mercy of Wonderland’s madness. The cruel Red Queen rules with blood, tea is currency, and forbidden mushrooms grant both power and pleasure. To survive, Alice must embrace the chaos, forging dangerous alliances with the realm’s most unpredictable outcasts—seductive madmen, ruthless drug lords, and dangerous runaways who are as possessive as they are captivating.
As passion and peril intertwine, Alice discovers that escaping Wonderland means surrendering to its temptations—and to the men who’ll do anything to keep her. But in a world where reality is only what you make of it, the greatest danger might be losing herself completely.
Step into a dark reverse harem retelling of Alice in Wonderland, where love is madness, power is seductive, and reality bends to your desires.
Alice's Descent Into Madness is book 1 of a trilogy still in progress. Please visit the authors page to review trigger warnings. This book is intended for audiences 18+ it contains graphic and suggestive themes not suitable for most.
In this world of twisting reality, Alice is at the mercy of Wonderland’s madness. The cruel Red Queen rules with blood, tea is currency, and forbidden mushrooms grant both power and pleasure. To survive, Alice must embrace the chaos, forging dangerous alliances with the realm’s most unpredictable outcasts—seductive madmen, ruthless drug lords, and dangerous runaways who are as possessive as they are captivating.
As passion and peril intertwine, Alice discovers that escaping Wonderland means surrendering to its temptations—and to the men who’ll do anything to keep her. But in a world where reality is only what you make of it, the greatest danger might be losing herself completely.
Step into a dark reverse harem retelling of Alice in Wonderland, where love is madness, power is seductive, and reality bends to your desires.
Alice's Descent Into Madness is book 1 of a trilogy still in progress. Please visit the authors page to review trigger warnings. This book is intended for audiences 18+ it contains graphic and suggestive themes not suitable for most.
445 pages, Hardcover
Published February 15, 2025
60 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 18, 2025
This started off slow for me but once Alice is established with Remus outside of the queen's hold the pace picks up as she explores Wonderland. As others have said, this isn't a smutty reverse harem/why choose because it is more focused on the exploration through Wonderland and the relationships between Alice and the MMC's. I was so excited for the Hatter to appear and he did not disappoint. He was dynamic and every bit what you'd expect from the "Mad" hatter. I liked the bond aspect between them and how he eventually earns Alice's respect and acceptance into the harem. It ends on a cliffhanger and I'm invested to see what happens with Alice and the boys!
ARC REVIEW
ARC REVIEW
January 24, 2025
“It’s been a long time since anyone has caught a rabbit,”
This was a wild, twisted ride from start to finish! Wonderland has one hell of a dark side in this retelling, with human trafficking, drug lords, mind control and a murderous monarch.
I am always partial to an Alice in Wonderland retelling, and really enjoyed following this rendition of Alice’s journey down the rabbit hole. Alice remained resourceful and strong-minded despite the trials she endures, striving to be in control despite her situation, and becoming the de-facto leader to take down the Red Queen.
“She thinks I’m a pawn in her game? Fine let her think that. But I’ll be the one flipping the board when the time comes.”
Per the genre, our girl acquired an eclectic bunch of lads along the way. I really enjoyed the uneasy and complicated dynamic between the main cast of characters. With the dark setting of wonderland, who can you really trust and who is being honest about where their loyalties lie?
- Remus ‘the white rabbit’, a former slave to the Red Queen who is liberated by Alice. He is the definition of a soft boy, and is so sweet and devoted to Alice - which they admit, could be due to codependent trauma bonding. Regardless I’d read a book dedicated to just this couple tbh 💕🐇
- TC, ‘the caterpillar’. This guy has done some bad things, and is a powerful player in this twisted wonderland but is striving to do the right thing and take down the Red Queen alongside Alice. A mite too possessive for my own preference, but I know a lot of folk are into that!
- Yelin, ‘the mad hatter’. Okay this guy is even worse and done even more bad things, but I’m partial af to a mad hatter. Due to an involuntary bond, he is absolutely nuts for Alice in a very desperate and pathetic way and I am so here for it.
- Ches ‘the Cheshire cat’. He is highly suspicious but full of charm, and what would an Alice in wonderland retelling be without a catboy - thus he is my automatic second favourite MMC after Ruben for this principle alone.
I have to also give a shout out to a little mouse called Doris for being adorable, and I loved the heartbreaking characterisation of Twiddle Dum and Twiddle Dee, sheltered and exuberant twins who agree to foray into Wonderland to support Alice without anticipation of the horrors that await.
Also damn, that cliff hanger! Overall a very fun read. I do strongly encourage you to read the triggers warnings however due to the dark subject matter - this Wonderland is a nefarious place, e.g dub/non con, human trafficking, drugging
5*
Recommended for: fans of American McGee’s Alice for those dark wonderland vibes, catboy and reverse harem lovers
Thank you to Al Rayden for providing an ARC copy 💖
This was a wild, twisted ride from start to finish! Wonderland has one hell of a dark side in this retelling, with human trafficking, drug lords, mind control and a murderous monarch.
I am always partial to an Alice in Wonderland retelling, and really enjoyed following this rendition of Alice’s journey down the rabbit hole. Alice remained resourceful and strong-minded despite the trials she endures, striving to be in control despite her situation, and becoming the de-facto leader to take down the Red Queen.
“She thinks I’m a pawn in her game? Fine let her think that. But I’ll be the one flipping the board when the time comes.”
Per the genre, our girl acquired an eclectic bunch of lads along the way. I really enjoyed the uneasy and complicated dynamic between the main cast of characters. With the dark setting of wonderland, who can you really trust and who is being honest about where their loyalties lie?
- Remus ‘the white rabbit’, a former slave to the Red Queen who is liberated by Alice. He is the definition of a soft boy, and is so sweet and devoted to Alice - which they admit, could be due to codependent trauma bonding. Regardless I’d read a book dedicated to just this couple tbh 💕🐇
- TC, ‘the caterpillar’. This guy has done some bad things, and is a powerful player in this twisted wonderland but is striving to do the right thing and take down the Red Queen alongside Alice. A mite too possessive for my own preference, but I know a lot of folk are into that!
- Yelin, ‘the mad hatter’. Okay this guy is even worse and done even more bad things, but I’m partial af to a mad hatter. Due to an involuntary bond, he is absolutely nuts for Alice in a very desperate and pathetic way and I am so here for it.
- Ches ‘the Cheshire cat’. He is highly suspicious but full of charm, and what would an Alice in wonderland retelling be without a catboy - thus he is my automatic second favourite MMC after Ruben for this principle alone.
I have to also give a shout out to a little mouse called Doris for being adorable, and I loved the heartbreaking characterisation of Twiddle Dum and Twiddle Dee, sheltered and exuberant twins who agree to foray into Wonderland to support Alice without anticipation of the horrors that await.
Also damn, that cliff hanger! Overall a very fun read. I do strongly encourage you to read the triggers warnings however due to the dark subject matter - this Wonderland is a nefarious place, e.g dub/non con, human trafficking, drugging
5*
Recommended for: fans of American McGee’s Alice for those dark wonderland vibes, catboy and reverse harem lovers
Thank you to Al Rayden for providing an ARC copy 💖
May 7, 2025
Full Disclosure, I was given an ARC copy to review.
Overall, I liked it! I enjoy reading retellings and this one did not disappoint, the mood is set from the start with the start: Dark, gritty, and confusing in a good way. It feels very dangerous but also is fascinating.
The plot itself gets a while to get going, but once Alice get out in Wonderland proper it picks up and doesn't stop, however certain points feel like they overstay their welcome.
At first I really didn't like Alice, she felt too mercurial and like she gave into despair too quickly; but after they escape the castle she really does shine! Something that I really liked afterwards is that she knew what she wanted to do and wasn't going to let herself be bullied by anyone (especially any of the LIs).
The Love Interests were interesting in their own way, and each had their own nice chemistry with Alice. There was also minimal drama, and the drama that DID happen had well-written cause-and-effect chains, which made it feel like it was actually part of the story and not something shoehorned in for Conflict.
I will very possibly update this review once I finish reading it and can compile my notes in a more thorough review, but I strongly recommend fans of dark romances and fantasy a read!
Overall, I liked it! I enjoy reading retellings and this one did not disappoint, the mood is set from the start with the start: Dark, gritty, and confusing in a good way. It feels very dangerous but also is fascinating.
The plot itself gets a while to get going, but once Alice get out in Wonderland proper it picks up and doesn't stop, however certain points feel like they overstay their welcome.
At first I really didn't like Alice, she felt too mercurial and like she gave into despair too quickly; but after they escape the castle she really does shine! Something that I really liked afterwards is that she knew what she wanted to do and wasn't going to let herself be bullied by anyone (especially any of the LIs).
The Love Interests were interesting in their own way, and each had their own nice chemistry with Alice. There was also minimal drama, and the drama that DID happen had well-written cause-and-effect chains, which made it feel like it was actually part of the story and not something shoehorned in for Conflict.
I will very possibly update this review once I finish reading it and can compile my notes in a more thorough review, but I strongly recommend fans of dark romances and fantasy a read!
Want to read
April 22, 2025Dark Romance, Reverse Harem, Why Choose, Third Person, 3rd Person, Past Tense, Multi POV, Spicy, MFMMMM, Sword Crossing, Alice in Wonderland, Dark Retelling, Fantasy, Strong Female Protagonist, 3 Spice Level
June 20, 2025
At first I was like mehh, but then it got interesting, then mehhh but the spiciness at the end had me geeking 🫣🥵🫣🥵
I also don't understand why we used the word 'Churned' so mannnnnyyyy times 🥴
I also don't understand why we used the word 'Churned' so mannnnnyyyy times 🥴
February 15, 2025
So, this was an interesting read! I’m actually not a fan of Alice in Wonderland, but this book surprised me in a good way.
I don’t even know where to start.
At the beginning, it took me a while to get into the story, but I think that’s mainly because I’m not a fan of Alice in Wonderland (which means I can’t tell you how accurate it is to the original story). However, if you love AIW, I’m sure this book will be perfect for you!
The longer I read, the better it got. I couldn’t predict what would happen next—which is rare these days! The author REALLY nailed both the storyline and the madness of Wonderland. I loved it.
I must say, the writing style took some getting used to. The POV switches multiple times within a chapter, which was a bit confusing at first, but once I got used to it, it was fine.
Now to the characters: I really liked Alice. She is both strong and vulnerable at the same time. Even though her life completely changed, she remains fierce and refuses to break, no matter what happens to her.
Normally, I’m not a fan of harems that keep adding new characters, but this one didn’t bother me. I liked all the main characters, and they actually had some solid character development, which I appreciated. I won’t say too much about them—or how many there are—because I don’t want to spoil anything. See for yourselves! ❤️
This isn’t a smutty book. If you’re looking for pure smut with no storyline, this isn’t it. The focus is on the plot and worldbuilding, with romance included, and it picks up more toward the end, which I really liked. Personally, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more spice, but the balance was really well done.
The story didn’t feel rushed—except for one part at the beginning with Alice and one of the MMCs. Their relationship progressed a little too fast and felt unrealistic to me. But who am I kidding? If I wanted realism, I wouldn’t be reading books—especially not fantasy! 😂
One small thing I struggled with was the character descriptions in the beginning. They were a bit too vague for my taste, but that’s just personal preference.
All in all, this was a surprisingly great read for me, and I would absolutely RECOMMEND it!
Oh, and it ends on a cliffhanger—I’m dying to read the next one!
I don’t even know where to start.
At the beginning, it took me a while to get into the story, but I think that’s mainly because I’m not a fan of Alice in Wonderland (which means I can’t tell you how accurate it is to the original story). However, if you love AIW, I’m sure this book will be perfect for you!
The longer I read, the better it got. I couldn’t predict what would happen next—which is rare these days! The author REALLY nailed both the storyline and the madness of Wonderland. I loved it.
I must say, the writing style took some getting used to. The POV switches multiple times within a chapter, which was a bit confusing at first, but once I got used to it, it was fine.
Now to the characters: I really liked Alice. She is both strong and vulnerable at the same time. Even though her life completely changed, she remains fierce and refuses to break, no matter what happens to her.
Normally, I’m not a fan of harems that keep adding new characters, but this one didn’t bother me. I liked all the main characters, and they actually had some solid character development, which I appreciated. I won’t say too much about them—or how many there are—because I don’t want to spoil anything. See for yourselves! ❤️
This isn’t a smutty book. If you’re looking for pure smut with no storyline, this isn’t it. The focus is on the plot and worldbuilding, with romance included, and it picks up more toward the end, which I really liked. Personally, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more spice, but the balance was really well done.
The story didn’t feel rushed—except for one part at the beginning with Alice and one of the MMCs. Their relationship progressed a little too fast and felt unrealistic to me. But who am I kidding? If I wanted realism, I wouldn’t be reading books—especially not fantasy! 😂
One small thing I struggled with was the character descriptions in the beginning. They were a bit too vague for my taste, but that’s just personal preference.
All in all, this was a surprisingly great read for me, and I would absolutely RECOMMEND it!
Oh, and it ends on a cliffhanger—I’m dying to read the next one!
February 25, 2025
I absolutely loved the pacing, and the action! I love that so far the concept of the RH is being upheld. I am interested as to how the situation with the mad hatter will continue to complicate things. I hope that it continues to stay a RH in future books. I loved the twists and turns the author threw at us. I liked how Alice got to spend a little time with each of the boys and gradually build a connection with each of them as the story progressed and how they are all learning to work together and trust one another. Overall fantastic read! Thank you Al for this superb ARC read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2025
A very twisty reverse harem take on Alice in Wonderland! I enjoyed it thoroughly. I especially liked that Alice's reactions to her situation felt very real. She was scared and still brave. And I really liked that she set boundaries and expected her love interests to respect them. And (with reminders) they did. I feel like that's still kinda rare in romance and I really loved it. I will say, without spoilers, this book ends on a massive cliffhanger, so maybe wait for book 2! I am desperate to find out what happens next!
July 1, 2025
This is a 3.5 rounded up with excitement for the sequel.
Into Madness captured my attention from the first time I saw the description. I love retellings, and I love Alice in Wonderland, and I've been getting into my dark romance era. This book hit a lot of great notes for me, and I can't wait to see what this author does in the future. I'm looking forward to seeing what TC, Remus, the Mad Hatter, Ches, & Alice get up to next! Especially with that cliffhanger!
Into Madness captured my attention from the first time I saw the description. I love retellings, and I love Alice in Wonderland, and I've been getting into my dark romance era. This book hit a lot of great notes for me, and I can't wait to see what this author does in the future. I'm looking forward to seeing what TC, Remus, the Mad Hatter, Ches, & Alice get up to next! Especially with that cliffhanger!
November 9, 2025
A Great Read
This book is a tantalizing tease, ending in a cliffhanger. However, the author's depiction of all of the characters from the original tales of wonderland, is a delicious and dark reimagining. A reverse harem of unlikely sorts. It's a great read for fans of dark romance, monster romance and interspecies romance. I can't wait to read more of the story.
This book is a tantalizing tease, ending in a cliffhanger. However, the author's depiction of all of the characters from the original tales of wonderland, is a delicious and dark reimagining. A reverse harem of unlikely sorts. It's a great read for fans of dark romance, monster romance and interspecies romance. I can't wait to read more of the story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews